Hair Covering That Protects Both Hair and Hairstyle

ABSTRACT

A hair covering for protecting the hair from external insults while substantially maintaining the shape of the wearer&#39;s hair is described. In some exemplary embodiments, the hair covering includes a band dimensioned to fit substantially the circumference of a wearer&#39;s head, the band having a width between about 6.3 cm and about 9.0 cm and a negative ease of between about 5.7 cm and about 9.0 cm. The band is circumferentially attached to a hair covering body having a positive ease of between about 6.3 cm and about 27.0 cm. In some more particular embodiments, the hair covering body has at least one single pleat, at least one double pleat, or at least one single pleat and at least one double pleat.

1 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1.1 Field of the Invention

The present invention provides manufactured head coverings for theprotection of a wearer's hair and the shape, or “style”, of their hair.More specifically, the present invention provides swim- and shower-capsthat keep the wearer's hair substantially dry and their hairstylesubstantially unaltered. The invention has applications in the fields ofpersonal hygiene, cosmetology, sports, and exercise.

1.2 The Related Art

The poet and philosopher Goethe wrote, “Beware of her fair hair, for sheexcels all women in the magic of her locks; And when she winds themround a young man's neck, she will not ever set him free again.” Thesentiment was echoed by the actress Joan Crawford, who confided, “Ithink that the most important thing a woman can have—next to talent, ofcourse—is her hairdresser.”

Indeed, hair—for both sexes—is an important aspect of beauty, andtherefore of one's self-image and confidence. Not surprisingly, then,men and women spend much time—and money—on the care and styling of theirhair. Hair styling can take hours and cost hundreds of dollars forstylists and the myriad of preparations used to produce a desired color,texture, and shape of the thousands of strands of keratin that extendfrom the scalp of the human head. Also not surprising then, are theefforts people take to retain their styled hair as long as possible.Several representative examples are described by the following patents.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,076,972 describes (lines 11-16) a covering to protect “acarefully arranged, artistic coiffure”, which “can be badly disarrangedovernight and even completely ruined” by “[t]he rubbing action of thebedding displaces and deforms the curls and strands of the coiffure, andthe pressure of the head against an underlying pillow crushes andflattens the coiffure.” The patent describes (lines 26-30) a haircovering comprising “a sheet of thin, soft, pliable paper . . . adaptedto form an oversized hood” having sides having of “at least twothicknesses of paper.” The hood includes an elastic band that isattached to two straps at the back. The wearer inserts their hair intothe hood and ties the straps at the front of the hood to form aturban-like hair covering. Although the covering described in the '972patent may provide some protection for the wearer's hair while sleeping,any covering made from paper will not stand the stress of exposure towater, such as from a shower stream or during swimming.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,247,521 describes (lines 11-15) a bathing cap thatincludes a waterproof inner cap to which can be attached to a decorativeouter covering (e.g., using snaps). Thus, the cap provides both utility,by keeping the wearer's hair dry, and style, by providing a means toattach various decorative outer coverings. However, although the innercap will protect the wearer's hair from water or other similar externalinsults, the inner cap tightly conforms to the shape of the user's head(see FIG. 1), and therefore cannot be expected to preserve the shape ofstyled hair. Furthermore, the mechanical action of the inner cap movingclosely against the wearer's hair combined with perspiration from thewearer's scalp, can degrade the affects of any hair coloring or othertreatments (e.g., hair texturing agents), and become uncomfortable.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D448,917 describes a shower cap design thatincludes a band attached to a billowing spherical bag-like haircovering. Although such a device may offer a wearer's hair someprotection from external insults, the amorphous shape of the haircovering will likely cause the hair to shift too freely and lose itsshape. Also, the shape of the covering is not suitable for swimming.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D569,831 describes a surgical team leader cap,having a hair covering attached to a narrow band. The covering alsoincludes a flap at the back of the cap. The cap is not likely to offergood protection in a shower or while swimming.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D627,954 describes a protective hair cap having ahair covering attached to an adjustable band. The covering also includesa flap at the back of the cap. The cap is not likely to offer goodprotection in a shower or while swimming.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D641,140 describes a protective hair cap having asnood-shaped hair covering gathered at an elastic band. The snood-shapeof the covering is not suitable for protecting many hair styles that areshaped upward from the head, rather than extending down the back of thehead. The cap is not likely to offer good protection in a shower orwhile swimming.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D658,853 describes a protective hair cap having abox-shaped hair covering gathered using a pull string that ties at theback. The stiff, box-like shape of the covering is not suitable forprotecting many hair styles that do not fit well into the box-likeshape. The tied string will likely come loose during active headmotions, such as shower use or while swimming; therefore the cap is notlikely to offer good protection in a shower or while swimming.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D669,663 describes a protective hair cap having asnood-shaped hair covering gathered using a tied ribbon. The snood-shapeof the covering is not suitable for protecting many hair styles that areshaped upward from the head, rather than extending down the back of thehead. The cap is not likely to offer good protection in a shower orwhile swimming.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,437 describes (column 1, lines 43-45) a “hairprotection bag that may provide protection to skin from chemicals usedto treat human hair, such as, for example, permanent wave solution.” TheAbstract of the '437 patent describes that the bag may include twoopenings having two different types of fasteners, and uses a cotton bandto prevent leakage from the bag. The shape of the bag is very amorphous,which as described above, is not effective for protecting hair shapesduring activities such as showering and swimming.

Finally, all of the foregoing patents describe hair coverings that lackthe use of negative ease in securing the covering to the head.

Thus, there remains an unsatisfied need to provide hair coverings thatare effective to protect hair styles during activities such as swimmingand showering. The present invention meets these and other needs.

2 SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior byproviding a hair covering that is effective to protect hair styles undera variety of active situations, such as showering and swimming, andrelatively passive conditions, such as sleeping.

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a hair coveringfor protecting the hair from external insults while substantiallymaintaining the shape of the hair. The hair covering comprises a banddimensioned to fit substantially the circumference of a wearer's head,with a negative ease of between about 5.7 cm and about 9.0 cm. The bandis circumferentially attached to a hair covering body having a positiveease of between about 6.3 cm and about 27.0 cm.

In more specific examples of the first embodiment, the hair coveringbody is made from a substantially water-proof material. In still morespecific embodiments, the band also is made from a substantiallywater-proof material. In yet more specific embodiments the substantiallywater-poof material is a polyurethane-coated fabric.

In other more specific examples of the first embodiment, the haircovering body include at least one single pleat. In some more specificembodiments, the hair covering body includes at least one double pleat.In other more specific examples of the first embodiment, the band isattached to the hair covering body by a zig-zag stitch. In still othermore specific examples of the first embodiment, the width of the band isbetween about 6.3 cm and about 9.0 cm.

In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a hair coveringfor protecting the hair from external insults while substantiallymaintaining the shape of the hair, comprising a band dimensioned to fitsubstantially the circumference of a wearer's head having a widthbetween about 6.3 cm and about 9.0 cm and a negative ease of betweenabout 5.7 cm and about 9.0 cm. The band is circumferentially attached toa hair covering body.

In more specific examples of the second embodiment, the hair coveringbody is made from a substantially water-proof material. In still morespecific embodiments, the band also is made from a substantiallywater-proof material. In yet more specific embodiments the substantiallywater-poof material is a polyurethane-coated fabric.

In other more specific examples of the second embodiment, the haircovering body include at least one single pleat. In some more specificembodiments, the hair covering body includes at least one double pleat.In other more specific examples of the second embodiment, the band isattached to the hair covering body by a zig-zag stitch. In still othermore specific examples of the second embodiment, the width of the bandis between about 6.3 cm and about 9.0 cm.

In still more specific examples of the second embodiment, the haircovering body has a positive ease of between about 6.3 cm and about 27.0cm.

In a third embodiment, the invention provides a hair covering forprotecting the hair from external insults while substantiallymaintaining the shape of the hair, comprising a band dimensioned to fitsubstantially the circumference of a wearer's head having a widthbetween about 6.3 cm and about 9.0 cm, and a negative ease of betweenabout 5.7 cm and about 9.0 cm. The band is circumferentially attached toa hair covering body, the hair covering body having a positive ease ofbetween about 6.3 cm and about 27.0 cm, and the hair covering body hasat least one single pleat, at least one double pleat, or at least onesingle pleat and at least one double pleat.

In other more specific examples of the third embodiment, the haircovering body include at least one single pleat. In some more specificembodiments, the hair covering body includes at least one double pleat.

These and still other features and advantages will become apparent tothose having ordinary skill in the art when the following DetailedDescription is read in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings.

3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein withreference to the following drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the hair covering of the invention as worn.FIG. 1A is front view of a subject wearing a hair covering in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1B is a side view of asubject wearing a hair covering in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is bottom view of a hair covering in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a band and a hair covering body inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides hair coverings that both protect the hairand the hair style. The hair coverings of the invention can be worn withuseful effect while in relatively vigorous activities such as showeringand swimming, or in more passive activities like sleeping. Withoutwishing to be bound to any particular theory of action, the haircoverings of the present invention makes beneficial use of providing aband that holds the hair covering body relatively securely to thewearer's head; the band having negative ease while the hair coveringbody having a positive ease. Such a unique combination is not shown orsuggested in the prior art; yet this combination provides a haircovering with very useful properties of enabling protection for thewearer's hair and hair style.

FIG. 1A at 100 shows a wearer (104) wearing a hair covering of theinvention (108). FIG. 1B shows a side view of the wearer and inventionat 150. Referring to both figures, the hair covering 108 includes a haircovering body 112 that is attached to a band 116. The hair covering bodyalso includes one or more pleats 120, shown generally. The pleats may besingle pleats or double pleats (i.e., a twice folding-over of materialin the same location to provide quadruple layer of material sewn to thebase material), and provided either individually or in any combination.In some embodiments, the pleats are arranged such that the front of thehair covering have few or no pleats (see also, FIG. 2), and so presentsa relatively smooth appearance at the front (157) as opposed to the back(154), to provide a more stylish appearance overall. Those havingordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such an arrangement willprovide more room at the back to accommodate a large amount of hair,especially curly, teased, hair-sprayed, or hair processed in other ways,without too much stretchiness. However, the pleats can be located in anyarrangement long the circumference of the hair covering.

The combination of the band and hair covering body with pleats andfabric as described herein provides a uniquely useful hair covering.Referring to FIG. 1B and FIG. 2, the location of pleats, especiallydouble pleats, towards the back of the hair covering provides enoughroom to protect both the wearer's hair and hair style while providingrelative comfort. In some embodiments, each single pleat provides about2.5 cm of expansion. In some embodiments, the hair covering of theinvention includes between about six and about 12 pleats; in morespecific embodiments, between about seven and about ten pleats; and instill more specific embodiments, about nine pleats. The pleats can beeither single pleats, double pleats, or any combination thereof thatprovides a useful degree of hair freedom, i.e., is not so snug as tocrush or compress the hair nor so loose as to allow the hair to becometangled from motion. In some embodiments nine pleats are provided,including as many as seven double pleats; such embodiments are usefulfor wearers having long hair. In other embodiments, nine single pleatsare provided; such embodiments are useful for wearers having short hair.Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand how to determineuseful numbers and combinations of single and double pleats, and theirlocations.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of a hair covering of the invention at 200.Hair covering 204, including pleats 208, is attached to band 212 todefine a volume as described above 216 into which the user introducesthe hair.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram (300) of the hair covering body (304, with pleats308) and band (312) separated. In some embodiments, the band isdimensioned to fit substantially the circumference of the wearer's headand has a negative ease of between about 5.7 cm and about 9.0 cm. Thehair covering body has a positive ease of between about 6.3 cm and about27.0 cm. The choice of ease for each element will depend on the size ofthe wearer's head and the desired pressure on the surface of thewearer's skull. In some more specific embodiments, the width of the bandis between about 6.3 cm and about 9.0 cm. Regarding the dimensions ofthe band, examples of useful negative eases for a variety of wearers areprovided below (Table 1):

TABLE 1 Negative Ease Values for Some Wearers Wearer Head (cm) Band (cm)Ease (cm) Preemie 32 30 2 Infant 35 32 3 Toddler 46 43 3 Child 48 44 4Adult small 48 44 4 Adult medium 49 45 4 Adult large 50 46 4 Adult XL 5450 4 Adult Male 58 54 4

In more specific embodiments, the band and hair covering body are bothmade from substantially waterproof materials with suitable elasticity.The band and the hair covering body can be either of the same materialor different materials. In more specific embodiments, the materials arepolyurethane-based, and, still more particularly, polyurethane laminatematerials. One particular example of a useful material is sold under thetradename BABYVILLE BOUTIQUE® (Spartanburg, S.C., USA). Other suitablematerials will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

In other embodiments, the hair covering comprises a band dimensioned tofit substantially the circumference of a wearer's head, and has a widthbetween about 6.3 cm and about 9.0 cm, and a negative ease of betweenabout 5.7 cm and about 9.0 cm. The band is attached circumferentially tothe hair covering body. The hair covering body also includes one or morepleats. The pleats may be single pleats or double pleats, and providedeither individually or in any combination. In more specific embodiments,the hair covering body has a positive ease of between about 6.3 cm andabout 27.0 cm.

In still other embodiments, the invention the hair covering comprises aband dimensioned to fit substantially the circumference of a wearer'shead, having a width between about 6.3 cm and about 9.0 cm and anegative ease of between about 5.7 cm and about 9.0 cm. The band iscircumferentially attached to a hair covering body having a positiveease of between about 6.3 cm and about 27.0 cm, and at least one singlepleat, at least one double pleat, or at least one single pleat and atleast one double pleat. More specific embodiments include those with atleast one single pleat. Other more specific embodiments include at leastone single and one double pleat. Still other more specific embodimentsinclude at least one double pleat.

The construction and use of the hair covering of the invention will befamiliar to those having ordinary skill in the art. The chosen materialsfor the hair covering body and band are dimensioned to provide acomfortable, yet secure, fit on the wearer's head using the dimensionsand discussion herein as a guide. For example and not limitation, thefit should be snug enough to be secure, but not so tight as to beuncomfortable, given the use of the hair covering (e.g., use in a poolto protect the hair from random splashing vs. swimming or diving). Thematerials are then cut to proper dimension and shape. The pleats aresewn into the hair covering body; and the band and the hair coveringbody are sewn together, e.g., using a zig-zag stitch or a straightstitch. Generally, since the fabric is both elastic and waterproof noadditional elastic is needed.

To use the hair covering, in one non-limiting example, put on the haircovering of the invention as follows: For wearers with longer hairlengths, gather the hair loosely, and turn the head over to spill thehair into the hair covering body; With both hands on sides of haircovering of the invention, and still with head upside down, pull haircovering over head to come to rest on forehead; Tuck any loose hairstrands into hair covering body; Adjust the top to one side of head tolay like a beret. For shorter hair, pull the hair covering over headstarting at the back and laying the front on forehead; Position the haircovering to lay like a beret to one side of head. Enjoy use, knowingthat the hair is protected from water and sun, and the hair style isprotected from rearrangement. To remove the hair covering, pull the haircovering by the top up and off of the head. The hair curled orstraightened will remain as styled and as dry as before use.

5 CONCLUSION

The above description of the embodiments, alternative embodiments, andspecific examples, are given by way of illustration and should not beviewed as limiting. Further, many changes and modifications within thescope of the present embodiments may be made without departing from thespirit thereof, and the present invention includes such changes andmodifications.

It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent invention provides a comfortable, secure, and useful device forprotecting hair and hair style. Using the present invention, the wearercan be confident to maintain dry, unsullied hair that substantiallymaintains the same shape after use as before use.

What is claimed:
 1. A hair covering for protecting the hair fromexternal insults while substantially maintaining the shape of said hair,said hair covering comprising: a band dimensioned to fit substantiallythe circumference of a wearer's head, said band having a negative easeof between about 5.7 cm and about 9.0 cm, said band beingcircumferentially attached to a hair covering body, said hair coveringbody having a positive ease of between about 6.3 cm and about 27.0 cm.2. The hair covering of claim 1, wherein said hair covering body is madefrom a substantially water-proof material.
 3. The hair covering of claim2, wherein said band is made from a substantially water-proof material.4. The hair covering of claim 3, wherein said substantially water-poofmaterial is a polyurethane-coated fabric.
 5. The hair covering of claim1, where in said hair covering body include at least one single pleat.6. The hair covering of claim 5, where in said hair covering bodyinclude at least one double pleat.
 7. The hair covering of claim 1,where in said hair covering body include at least one double pleat. 8.The hair covering of claim 1, wherein said band is attached to said haircovering body by a zig-zag stitch.
 9. The hair covering of claim 1,wherein the width of said band is between about 6.3 cm and about 9.0 cm.10. A hair covering for protecting the hair from external insults whilesubstantially maintaining the shape of said hair, said hair coveringcomprising: a band dimensioned to fit substantially the circumference ofa wearer's head, said band having a width between about 6.3 cm and about9.0 cm and a negative ease of between about 5.7 cm and about 9.0 cm,said band being circumferentially attached to a hair covering body. 11.The hair covering of claim 10, wherein said hair covering body is madefrom a substantially water-proof material.
 12. The hair covering ofclaim 11, wherein said band is made from a substantially water-proofmaterial.
 13. The hair covering of claim 12, wherein said substantiallywater-proof material is a polyurethane-coated fabric.
 14. The haircovering of claim 10, where in said hair covering body include at leastone single pleat.
 15. The hair covering of claim 14, where in said haircovering body include at least one double pleat.
 16. The hair coveringof claim 10, where in said hair covering body include at least onedouble pleat.
 17. The hair covering of claim 10, wherein said band isattached to said hair covering body by a zig-zag stitch.
 18. The haircovering of claim 10, wherein said hair covering body having a positiveease of between about 6.3 cm and about 27.0 cm.
 19. A hair covering forprotecting the hair from external insults while substantiallymaintaining the shape of said hair, said hair covering comprising: aband dimensioned to fit substantially the circumference of a wearer'shead, said band having a width between about 6.3 cm and about 9.0 cm anda negative ease of between about 5.7 cm and about 9.0 cm, said bandbeing circumferentially attached to a hair covering body, said haircovering body having a positive ease of between about 6.3 cm and about27.0 cm, and said hair covering body having at least one single pleat,at least one double pleat, or at least one single pleat and at least onedouble pleat.
 20. The hair covering of claim 18, where in said haircovering body include at least one single pleat.
 21. The hair coveringof claim 19, where in said hair covering body include at least onedouble pleat.
 22. The hair covering of claim 18, where in said haircovering body include at least one double pleat.